Worms

Worm Infestation

Worm infestation occurs when worms live as parasitic adults in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Worms that infect humans can be divided into three groups:

Roundworms, whipworms, hookworms

Tapeworms

Flukes

A patient with a mild infection may not show any symptom. However, some may experience itching around the anal area especially at night. Other symptoms include poor appetite which leads to weight loss, stomach discomfort, restless sleep and inability to concentrate. A worm passed with a stool may also be discovered by the patient or patients parents.
The most common route of transmission for worm infestation is the anus-to-mouth route. This is because eggs are often found under the fingernails of the infected person who has scratched the anal area. When the infected person uses the contaminated fingers to handle and ingest food, the eggs are transferred directly from the anus to the mouth.
Eggs dislodged from the perianal area into the environment can also be inhaled. Eggs may also be spread by house dust, from pets or through contact with contaminated objects such as bedding,
cups, utensils and doorknobs.

Signs and Symptoms

Parasites are responsible for many ill health conditions including diarrhoea, gastrointestinal upset, vaginal irritation, joint pain, nervous diseases, immune dysfunction and chronic fatigue. Long term, undetected infestation can cause many systemic problems. For the very old, very young or immunocompromised, a parasitic infection can be extremely problematic.

Signs of infection include less conclusive symptoms such as a runny nose, nighttime restlessness and blisters on the lower lip inside the mouth. If you become infected, be prepared for a rough time. Infected individuals may feel bloated, tired and hungry. They may have allergies, anemia, lethargy, fuzzy thinking, headaches and roller-coastering blood sugar levels. They may experience restlessness, hair loss, diarrhea, arthritis, mineral imbalances and nighttime teeth grinding. One or more symptoms may occur to a greater or lesser degree depending upon the individual.

Especially with heavier infections, intestinal parasites can also cause symptoms such as:

Loose, foul-smelling stools

Diarrhea

Mucous in stools

Abdominal cramps and gas

Loss of appetite

Distended abdomen

Coughing

Fever

Vomiting

Listlessness and generally feeling unwell.

These symptoms may last for weeks and return several times a year.

What you can do

Wear tight undergarments to prevent migration of worms

Keep fingernails short to prevent harboring of the eggs beneath the fingernails which may lead to re-infection

Wash hands frequently especially before meals and after using the toilet

Bathe every morning to remove eggs deposited in the perianal region during the night

Wash all bedding and clothes of the infected individual and the family members in hot water daily during the treatment period

Do not shake these items as it can spread eggs into the air

Clean the floor by vacuuming or damp mopping for several days after treatment

Disinfect toilet seats regularly

You can prevent worm infestation

Drink safe and clean water

Proper cleaning and cooking of food

Regular hand washing particularly after bowel movement and before eating

Avoid nail biting

When to see a doctor

Pregnant or breast-feeding

Under 2 years old

Anemic

Liver diseases

Symptoms persist after treatment

Recurrent infection

If you have any questions, contact me through the website, email me or call into the pharmacy in Cork.